After a record-breaking opening day Middle East Workboats & Offshore Marine 2013, when six new contracts worth millions of dollars were signed onsite, even more deals were announced here today on day two of the show (Tuesday 1 October).

Just moments after the show had opened, the Middle East's largest shipbuilder Grandweld Shipyards secured a repeat order worth AED18.35 million to build a new 42 metre aluminum crew boat for Khalid Faraj Shipping. This is the third order received by Grandweld from Khalid Faraj Shipping over the last five months.

"The crew boat is based on Grandweld's existing proven design, and can reach speeds in excess of 26 knots. The vessel benefit from luxury seating, VIP accommodation, a larger deck space and enhanced crew comfort. With seating for 83 passengers, the vessel has a 110square metre loading area for over 90 tons of deck cargo," said Jamal S. Abki, general manager of Grandweld Shipyards.

Grandweld, a fully integrated shipyard providing shipbuilding, ship repair and engineering solutions to the marine industry, is part of Stanford Marine Group (SMG). SMG is 51% owned by a fund managed by Abraaj Capital and 49% by Abu Dhabi – listed Waha Capital.

"Our 42 metre fast aluminum crew boats have been a huge success with over 30 sister vessels delivered or currently under construction. As such Grandweld has become the leading provider for this class of vessel for an impressive list of regional and international clients," added Mr. Abki.

Middle East Workboats & Offshore Marine 2013, the leading regional forum for owners, operators, industry professionals and suppliers, runs through until Wednesday 2 October at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

"After a wave of onsite contract signings yesterday, which must have been worth millions of dollars at least, it was a pleasant surprise to find out that a further two contracts may be signed later today. This is a tremendous vote of confidence for the show and indicative of the upbeat sentiment that is prevalent throughout the show," said Chris Hayman, Chairman, Seatrade, the organiser of Middle East Workboats & Offshore Marine 2013

Building on the success of the 2011 edition, which featured more than 2,800 participants, the show is hosting over 225 exhibiting companies and has seen a 9% increase in sold square metres.

The focus of day two was undoubtedly the "Global Workboat Technology Forum" held in strategic partnership with Saudi Aramco. Delivering the keynote was D Ing Hassan A. Abouraya, Corporate Business Development, International Marketing & Risk Management, Zamil Offshore Services.

Hassan gave an overview of the offshore industry, forecasting that the industry was in for another decade of change.

"Offshore shipping is undergoing a period of unprecedented change and the industry faces more uncertainties than ever before. Global economics are uncertain, regulatory pressures are growing, the world fleet is over supplied and technology is developing faster than ever," he said.

Concluding on an upbeat note he added, "But, I still believe that offshore shipping's evolution is set to continue and I am confident that performance management is becoming a top priority item; ships are designed now to a range of new criteria."

The final day of the show will focus on dynamic positioning with a specific focus on power and control.

For more information and for the full forum schedule please visit - http://www.middleeastworkboats.com

About SeatradeEstablished over 40 years ago, Seatrade is a leader in maritime and cruise publications, conferences and exhibitions, training, awards and other special projects. Regular events include international trade exhibitions and conferences across all maritime sectors, management training courses for shipping professionals, training seminars for travel agents and maritime award schemes, including the prestigious Seatrade Awards held at the Guildhall in London. Seatrade publications include magazines, supplements and yearbooks, while daily maritime news is provided online by seatrade-global.com and seatrade-insider.com.

For further information: Emma Howell, Head of Marketing, Middle East, Seatrade. Tel: +44 1206 545121; Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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